Lockdown Lifted, Residents Happy
Residents of Soasoa, Labasa, breathed a sigh of relief after the 28 days lockdown was lifted on Saturday.
For the Ali family, this is good news for them as they will spend Ramadan together for the first time after five years.
Eldest of four siblings, Imran Ali, said the pandemic had brought the family more closer.
“We are so fortunate that the pandemic had enabled us to spend more time together,” Mr Ali said. Ever since we finished high school and went to tertiary institutions, we have been away from our family.
“During the lockdown we made up for lost times.
“Even though the lockdown has been lifted, we will continue to pray at home instead of going to the mosque, and we continue to maintain social distancing and practice good hygiene.
“Our community has been on lockdown, but there was alot of support from people living outside our community.
“We are so thankful that we live in a safe place and whereby everyone cares for one another and duringthis fasting period we would like to thank those that have helped our community and not forgetting the leaders of our country.”
The Ali family wished Fiji a blessed Ramadan.
Meanwhile, Soasoa Advisory Councilor, Timoci Biroko said the residents were now happy to continue their daily routine. Government declared Soasoa a lockdown area after the first case was identified last month.
“Many have called to say thank you to all the services that were provided to the area during the lockdown,” Mr Biroko said.
“This was done to protect the individual lives of those who live in the same area with the COVID-19 patient number 9.
“Many donations such as food items were able to supplement the food supply of those under lockdown.”
Resident, Tota Ram, 62, said they were happy with the Government service provided to them.
“The call to put us on lockdown to prevent the virus from being spread and adding to the number was a great call,” Mr Ram said. “We are so pleased that the results have turned out to be negative. “We have come out stronger as a community and will continue to look out for each other.
“However, we are keeping in mind that there are restrictions that are still in place and that it is important to practice good hygiene”.